Two teams from Bhutan, comprising a men’s and women’s team, are set to compete in the CAVA Beach Volleyball Championship in Sri Lanka next week. The three-day event will feature 44 players from Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and the Maldives. The Bhutanese team will depart for Sri Lanka on Monday.
Four athletes from Bhutan have been practising for two hours daily over the past two months for the championship.
18-year-old Jurme Rangdal from Tsirang, a national player, will represent Bhutan in the men’s team. He began playing volleyball at the age of 13.
Jurme is currently a class ten student at Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School. This will be his second international championship after competing at Changlingmithang last year.
“We have been training for about two months. We’re heading to the CAVA Beach Volleyball Championship soon, and we’re hopeful of winning. While luck plays a part, we’re determined to give it our best effort.”
Similarly, 27-year-old Tshering Dorji from Monggar is another key player on the men’s team. An army personnel and an experienced national player, Tshering started his volleyball journey at the age of 15. This is his fourth international appearance and he hopes to perform better this time.
“This will be my third international appearance in beach volleyball, having competed once at home. In total, I’ll have played four tournaments. I’m confident that with my experience, I’ll perform better this year and aim to win the championship.”
Likewise, 27-year-old Leki Dema from Monggar will lead the women’s team. A sports instructor at Motithang Higher Secondary School, she started playing volleyball at the age of 10.
“As advocates of gender equality, the Bhutan Volleyball Federation gave us equal opportunities. My teammate and I are proud to represent our country for the first time on the international stage. We’ve trained hard and are ready to give it our all in Sri Lanka.”
21-year-old Zangmo from Zhemgang will join Leki on the women’s team. A class ten student at Babesa Higher Secondary School, Zangmo started playing volleyball in class three. She is optimistic about making her mark.
“I competed in August 2023, but due to lack of experience, it didn’t go well. This time, I’ve gained more experience and am optimistic about winning the tournament.”
During a rigorous selection process, the Bhutan Volleyball Federation chose the top two players from 19 men and women. Head coach Tandin Wangchuk is confident in the team’s preparation and potential.
“Ten men’s and nine women’s players came for the selection process, from which we chose the top two teams. Both the men’s and women’s teams have undergone intensive training. I expect them to apply what we’ve practised and to perform well in the matches.”
The Bhutan Volleyball Federation hosted the first-ever beach volleyball tournament in the country last year to promote the emerging sport. Beach volleyball originated in the United States in 1915.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sonam Pem
